Billingham Manor – former home of JB Priestly – is up for sale for a whopping £3.95million.
Offered in 3 lots the manor boasts a rich history and was most well known as the home of ‘An Inspector Calls’ playwright and novelist JB Priestley – who also wrote his famous work ‘Rain Upon Godshill’ sitting in his studio at the property.
As 1 of the Isle of Wight’s not so well known architectural gems, the house was remodeled around 1730 by the son of Sir Edward Worsley and boasts some unusual features including an early 18th-century rotating bookcase and sliding panel leading to a tunnel under the manor believed to be used by smugglers working the infamous ‘Back of the Wight’ coastline not far away.
The Billingham Manor estate, now for sale through BCM, comes with a separate cottage, a range of barns, and around 130 acres of garden, grounds and farmland.
The 6-bedroomed manor is Grade II* listed and sits in a secluded southerly facing position with sweeping views across the south of the Island.
James Attrill, partner at BCM, said:
“Billingham Manor is a rare find – anywhere in the UK. The history is fascinating and the estate offers real privacy, looking out over the prettiest of Island views. The land and barns offer great scope for those wanting to enhance the estate further. It really is the complete package. Bringing Billingham to the market for the first time in over 40 years is a privilege. We expect plenty of interest.”
‘Southerly facing’ ? treat yourself to a new compass.
If I win the euros I will be in touch lol
It is allegedly haunted. I have a very old book which states that when a prisoner was hung on the Island, the head of Charles the first would appear in an alcove there.
As murders now only get a few years, if at all, then I guess new owners will not be too stressed.
I would be interested to know the name of the book you quote from.
The house was my childhood home and we sold it to the present owners in 1978.
The story concerning the head of Charles 1st was one we always discounted.
Although aware of its reputation, it was only in the last few weeks we were there, after 23 years, that we became aware of any strange goings-on. Some were very strange indeed.
Jamie, the book is called “A ghost in the Isle of Wight by Shane Leslie ”
A limited edition book, and the author names the Manor Killington but I have been informed that it was indeed Billingham, not as would seem more fitting Knighton, which is more famous for hauntings.
I think you can download a free copy from online if you type in the title and author.
Kind regards J
Thanks Jimmy,
I read what must be a shortened version of Leslie’s book in a collection of writings entitled ‘Isle of Wight Anthology’, published in 1978 by the County Press.
KR
Jamie
Perhaps you should write a book about the strange going-ons’ you would be surprised how many people would be interested. I am surprised it was never on the IoW Ghost Walks
As I understand it Billingham was never a Manor House. On maps and documents from the 19th century it is described as Billingham House and Farm. I have an interest in the House as my Great great Grandfather, John Gould, leased the property and 204 Acres of land and farmed there from 1850 – 1860.
five of John and his wife Ann Lucretia’s eight children were born at Billingham House, including John Wooldridge Gould who became the Gould in Gould , Hibberd and Randell mineral water manufactures.
I, as many have, found the old Gould Ginger Beer bottles made of stoneware over the years, still have one in my bathroom, with the ‘Donkey and wheel’ trademark.
A lovely place to live, away from the horrors that most of us have to endure as the Island is filled by those from anywhere but now.
130 acres – you could build a lot of very expensive homes on that amount of land – and possibly an affordable home as well.
And if you stopped receiving benefits we could save paying less tax
What benefits?
There is an interesting write-up of Billingham Manor in the book: “Manor Houses of the Isle of Wight”, by C.W.R. Winter, first published in 1984, and re-published in 1991 by “Forget-me-not-books”, Whippingham on the Island. The book contains a sad story of love, violence, murder, and incarceration. Then again,no doubt, many old houses have “tales to tell!”
I worked for several years at Brook Hill house, the other home of J.B Priestly.
Then it still was one home, with the owner planning to turn it into a school, yet sadly he indulged too much at the local Sun Inn and the whole scheme collapsed.
Lovely house, with minstrels gallery and wonderful views set in 80 acres of woodland.
Think the then owner, a Mr Todd bought it in 1980 for around £80k for the lot. Had tennis court, massive stone workshop etc and a very long driveway.
Happy times working there.